View Full Version : Leveling the mower deck
kbb58
Jun 30, 2009, 07:27 AM
I have a 42" Murray rider and can not seem to keep the mowing deck level. Every time I mow it's a gamble as to how the grass will look when finished. Can anyone give me some pointers? I work hard to keep my lawn looking good only to have the mower mess it up!
ballengerb1
Jun 30, 2009, 02:58 PM
Start by checking your tires for the correct air pressure. Make sure all 4 are filled to the specs on the sidewall of the tire. Now park the mower on a perfectly flat hard surface. Pull the plug wire for safety and rotate the blade tips by hand so you can measure from blade tip to floor. You have 2 blades and adjust the deck so all blade tips are the same height off the floor.
crigby
Jun 30, 2009, 08:01 PM
Hi,
Have to agree with the above, though newer Murrays have a slot at the bottom of the height adjuster rack for that purpose.
Take two pieces of 2 x 4 and place flat on the floor at opposite sides of the outer edges of the deck. Now lower the deck onto them. There is either arced piece with holes in it and you place the hole/pin combination where it just barely fits (does not matter if they are not the same hole on both sides) or on each side is a nuu or a large wingnut that you loosen and swing the piece with the curved slot downward, and retighten.
Clear as mud? See attached:
Peace,
Clarke
kbb58
Jul 1, 2009, 10:07 AM
Start by checking your tires for the correct air pressure. Make sure all 4 are filled to the specs on the sidewall of the tire. Now park the mower on a perfectly flat hard surface. Pull the plug wire for safety and rotate the blade tips by hand so you can measure from blade tip to floor. You have 2 blades and adjust the deck so all blade tips are the same height off the floor.
Thank you so much! It's very hard for me as a single female to figure all these things out!
ballengerb1
Jul 1, 2009, 03:43 PM
I am fairly sure Clarke and I can cover your mower issues. Clarke has an extensive background with mowers and I repair most everything.
crigby
Jul 1, 2009, 05:20 PM
Hi,
For the left hand pictures, the factory recommends you do the tire pressure, park on a level surface and measure the distance from each outermost edge of each side the floor. You then use the crescent shaped piece with multiple holes under the left rear to level the deck
You would be surprised if I told how many people solve their problems simply by adjusting tire pressure to 10psi; it exceeds 50%. Not illogical if the dealer leveled it before delivery. A bit different if purchased from a mass merchant, who often sell the machines with over-inflated tires to secure them to the shipping platforms.
Peace,
Clarke